Carbon Monoxide Leak Kills 37 Miners in Plateau Community

No fewer than 37 miners have reportedly lost their lives following a carbon monoxide leak in Kampani Zurak community of Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, was confirmed by a local miner, Safiyanu Haruna, who disclosed that more than 20 others sustained injuries and have been evacuated to a hospital in Wase town for medical attention.
Haruna said the tragedy happened around 6:30 a.m., shortly after the miners returned from their morning prayers.
According to him, the victims had left the mining site around 5:30 a.m. for prayers and were said to be in good condition at the time. However, upon their return, they were reportedly exposed to carbon monoxide gas, which led to the fatalities.
“It is devastating to wake up to the news that 37 miners, who were striving to earn a living, have died,” Haruna lamented, attributing the deaths to carbon monoxide inhalation.
He further revealed that no immediate rescue operation was carried out, as the morning shift workers had not yet resumed duty when the incident occurred.
While 37 persons were confirmed dead, over 20 others are currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Wase.
Funeral prayers for the deceased were ongoing in the community as of the time of filing this report. Although government authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, residents said the Chairman of Wase Local Government Area was present at the funeral prayers.